A little over two years ago I began Kauai To Paris for the sole purpose of having a creative outlet in my life. Little did I know this creative outlet would rapidly become a driving force in my everyday existence .. a platform from which to share many of my deepest thoughts and philosophies in a manner I constantly hope will be meaningful and pleasant for another person. I did not expect the incredible gifts I've received as a result of opening myself to those who read me. Words of praise, admiration, and encouragement are the sustenance of life for one who chooses to bare himself to others. I am truly blessed to have the most wonderful readers on the planet .. "giving" people who lift me up and feed the muse that drives me.
Last week I discovered Pat was going into the hospital for heart surgery. That bit of news has been on my mind every minute since she shared it with me. I have never met Pat Cargill in person, but through her writing I feel I know her .. and since I know her, I care about her and her well being. Pat went into the hospital on Thursday .. I don't know anything beyond that. I hope and pray you are doing well, Pat, and anxiously look forward to "seeing you" again in the comments section. I want you to know that because of your presence in my life I feel an even stronger bond to those who honor me by coming to this site. Your presence has proven to me that we can all experience the entire spectrum of emotion and caring through the written word.
I invite all of you to leave Pat an encouraging word here in the comments section as she recovers from her heart surgery. We all wish you a fast recovery, Pat, and a life of great health & happiness from this point on!
I am reminded that my own problems, which at times feel larger than the flowers above, become so very small and insignificant when I take the time to compare them with the realities of others ...
In the future, I intend to take the pen from my pocket and record all my problems. I will then begin to record the problems of others ... Stop ! ... even the thought of performing that action brings shame. Knowing full well I have no significant problems, why would I even perform the exercise to establish that fact? Is it because I need to prove to myself what a kind and empathetic person I am? Or even worse, do I need to prove it to others !?!
Pat Cargill .. Mahalo et Merci for helping me see a bit of truth today. Please Get Well Soon .. we will all be looking forward to having you back. And Merci Beaucoup Pat, for being the catalyst which stimulated my mind to realize empathy is such a powerful and wonderful human emotion .. one that shares the power of the pen in its ability to diminish our own problems when we truly feel and record the pain of others ...
Aloha et Au revoir,
Bill